Maine Public Will Move Studios From Lewiston to Downtown Portland

Maine Public is preparing for a major move that will place the state’s public broadcasting network in one of Portland’s most recognizable and long-vacant spaces. The organization has announced plans to relocate its headquarters to the former Portland Public Market building on Lancaster Street, bringing new life to a property that has sat mostly unused for years.

The Portland Public Market opened in 2006 with high hopes of becoming a year-round hub for local food, artisans, and community gatherings. Despite its popularity with visitors, the market struggled financially and closed just two years later. Since then, the building has hosted a series of short-term uses, but never quite found a permanent role in the city’s downtown landscape. Maine Public’s move aims to change that.

Currently based in Lewiston, Maine Public operates Maine Public Radio, Maine Public Television, and a growing digital news platform.

The new Portland location will allow the organization to consolidate operations, expand production capabilities, and increase its visibility in the state’s largest city. According to Maine Public, the building will be renovated to include modern broadcast studios, office space, and areas designed for public events and community engagement.

The move also reflects a broader shift toward accessibility and collaboration. Being in Portland places Maine Public closer to many of its partners, sources, and audiences, and creates opportunities for live broadcasts, public forums, and educational programming hosted on site. While the building will primarily serve as a working media center, the goal is for it to once again function as a place where the public feels welcome.

For Portland, the announcement marks another step in the gradual revival of underused downtown properties. For Maine Public, it represents a significant investment in the future of public media in the state and a chance to finally give the former Public Market building a long-term purpose rooted in serving the community.